Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (engine, cooling system, oil leaks, timing chain, exhaust).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 1997 Cadillac Seville owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
Tl* the contact owns a 1997 Cadillac Seville. The contact stated that the vehicle was driving roughly. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was flickering on and off. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who referred the contact to an authorized dealer. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 89,007.
I bought a used car with an extended warranty. A week later the fuel switch went out. I had to spend $80 to get that fixed at the same dealership. After a few weeks the turing switch started smoking so I took it to different dealership to get check out and they fixed it for $100 (co pay) while my car was being fixed they found a major oil leak and asked me if I would like to see if my warranty would fix it. The warrenty people came out and said no we are not going to pay the $1,500 -$2,500 to fix it. The car needs to go back to where you bought it so they can fix the car because the leak was preexisting . At that time I went and talked to one of the owners. He said he would look into it and advised me to go and let the service manager take a look at the car. …
I was on the highway driving at 60 to 65 miles an hour, the distance before the malfunction began was approximately 5 miles before my brakes automatically were applied during a non braking application. The Cadillac sts slowed down into a car that hit my rear bumper. I tried to recover from the bump. As an result, the momentum sent me into a rocky but grassy ditched area on the side of the highway. As a result of the ebtcm failing while driving on the highway, my bumper was damaged, front bumper was damaged, along with my steering and struts. I contacted GM about the issue with this defective ebtcm and the remedy has been that a inspector will evaluate the car then next(....) I will be notified whether or not it will repaired. The car has been parked majority of the time since my incident. I'm waiting for the inspector to call and schedule an date to view vehicle. …
Heads on 1997 Cadillac Seville (sls) pulled loose from engine letting antifreeze enter into the combustion chamber of all eight cylinders. Heads were warped and had to be taken off engine and milled to refit to engine block. This work done at local Cadillac dealer (sam swope Cadillac, service manager dave holland [phone]) cost to repair engine $4,999.47........I have spoken to quite a few Cadillac owners and service personnel and this is a constant problem with the Cadillac northstar engine and all Cadillac dealerships are well versed in repairing this engine defect........I have been told that if general motors had put steel inserts into the aluminum block for the headbolts to tighten into at the factory that this problem would not repeatedly occur! …
Tl contact owns a 1997 Cadillac Seville. The contact stated that the vehicle was losing coolant (manufacturer recommended) at a vast rate. He had to replace the coolant in the vehicle almost every other day. In addition, the heating gauge would sporadically move. He took the vehicle to the dealer, but they could not determine the cause of the failures. The dealer is currently performing diagnostic testing. The manufacturer was not notified. The current and failure mileages were approximately 110,000.
I bought a used 1997 Cadillac sls in 1999 which was still under warranty. The car has had electrical and mechanical problems off and on. I have religiously had my car serviced at the recommended schedule. I was told and LED to believe that the engine was virtually maintenance free up to 100,000 miles. My car has 82,000 miles and now they tell me that I need a new head gasket at nice cost of $2800.00. I'm tired of being charged for "some little problem" every time I bring it in!
Tl* the contact owns a 1997 Cadillac Seville. The contact stated while driving approximately 60 MPH, the vehicle stalled without warning. The vehicle was maneuvered to the side of the road. The contact was able to restart the vehicle however, the failure occurred fifteen times within an hour. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer for diagnostic testing. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 137,000. Updated 8/11/14
Engine exhibited extended cranks after sitting for several hours. Dealer replaced fuel pressure regulator($$$). Engine continued to exhibit extended cranks only more severe. Dealer replaced fuel pump ($$$$). Engine continued to exhibit extended cranks. Dealer replaced fuel filter ($$) and fuel pump again. Crank problem now replaced by stalling after decelerating to near stop then doing a gentle tip in on accelerator as in making a turn or entering a traffic circle.
Tl contact owns a 1997 Cadillac Seville. While driving 40 MPH, the contact noticed a burning smell. The dealer stated that there were multiple coolant leaks inside the engine and they replaced four gaskets, a water pump, and hose; however, the failure continued. As of February 15, 2008, the dealer had not repaired the vehicle. The powertrain was unknown. The current and failure mileages were 57,813.
Freedom of information request regarding a man that was killed during an engine fire. The attorney request all information concerning any complaints/recalls of fuel line problem or fires in the 1995, 1996, and 1996 Oldsmobile aurora the 1995, 1996 and 1997 Cadillac el dorado, Cadillac Seville or Cadillac deville.
Engine complaints in other Seville years
Frequently asked questions
How common are engine problems on the 1997 Cadillac Seville?
NHTSA has 21 complaints about the engine & cooling of the 1997 Cadillac Seville, 22% of the model year's 95 complaints. The component named most often is engine › gasoline (7 mentions).
Is there a recall for 1997 Cadillac Seville engine problems?
No. NHTSA lists no engine & cooling recall for the 1997 Cadillac Seville, though it has 2 recalls for other components. If the problem is widespread, a repair may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin — ask a dealer.
At what mileage do 1997 Cadillac Seville engine problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 94,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 0 crashes, 3 fires and 0 injuries and 2 deaths to engine & cooling problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.